I started my own path to becoming a FreeBSD ports tree committer by discovering that a web application (WebCalendar) that we use at SourceHosting.net was not part of the tree. I read up on how to create a new port, submitted a PR for it, and after review by an existing FreeBSD committer, it was added to the tree. Now other WebCalendar users can install it on FreeBSD as easily as typing:

cd /usr/ports/www/webcalendar &amp;&amp; make install clean

After a port is added to the tree, a maintainer keeps track of upstream package releases, updates the port to track the new version, adds any needed configuration options and makes sure that it builds and installs on the FreeBSD supported platforms. As payback, you’ll often hear from folks using your port, whether sending thanks, enhancement requests or the occasional bug report!

Since submitting that first PR, I have created a number of new ports for tools used at SourceHosting.net or just in my areas of interest. I have adopted many as well. Most unmaintained ports are very undemanding and just need some minor TLC! It’s a great way to support a project that has contributed directly to the success of my Real Job.